Sunday, December 28, 2014

Last week, I went out Christmas shopping with my boyfriend, Chad, and his brother, Lucas. After lots of wandering around and brainstorming, we decided that something handmade would be the best gift for their mom.

Last year, I went with them down to visit their parents for Christmas. They have a large family on both their mom and dad's side, and since they both live in different areas, our holiday got split between the two.

For Christmas Day, we spent it with their mom's side of the family, and WOW! Big family, big tree, lots of gifts and mmm... delicious food!

This year, I will be working all day on Christmas, so I will not be going with them to visit, but I am looking forward to seeing his mom's pictures from the occasion.

Back to last week. I'm sure you can guess what these granny squares will turn into - a nice, cozy blanket!

I really love the traditional granny square pattern, but for this one, I was thinking more like the Square Washcloths I made back in October using the free pattern from Corina of Stitch11.

The only thing I wasn't about with this pattern was the joining method.

Following the pattern, your joins are done in the middle of one of the sides of the washcloth, creating a seam. I wanted squares that looked seamless. After a little thought, I concluded that in order to achieve this, the join would have to be done in a chain space, or corner, without the need to slip stitch over stitches to get to the other chain space.

This tutorial will be split into two posts, one for the Solid Granny Square, and then one for Joining the Granny Squares.

Before I begin on the pattern, this basic granny square pattern is great for lots of different things!

~ You can use thread or perhaps a sock weight yarn, and attach the square to the front of a card or make some jewelry with them.

~ You can use it with cotton yarn to make a set of coasters. You could even add a larger one as a placemat, or trivet.

~ With cotton yarn and it larger, it will also make a great washcloth.

~ Making it larger and using worsted weight or chunky weight yarn, it would make a nice pillow.

~ You could join the squares to make a scarf, or table runner.

~ With a smaller weight yarn, you could make these into a belt, or headband.

The possibilities are truly endless. If you would like to see a tutorial for creating any of these items using the granny square/s before I get around to it, feel free to leave me a comment below :)

The Soft Secret yarn is a lighter worsted weight yarn. Using a heavier yarn such as Red Heart's Super Saver or With Love yarns, Bernat's Super Value yarn, Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn, or Caron's One Pound will work great for this pattern, but the squares will work up larger.

Yarn Review:

I have used this yarn for one other project (not ready to be released), and I really like it. It is VERY soft, and it is shiny. When I saw the skeins on the shelves, they had a shine to them and I thought once I started working with it, it would disappear but it stays throughout.

This yarn has a lot of stretch to it - about 4" worth compared to the 2" from a yarn such as Red Heart's With Love or Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn. I would recommend using a crochet hook with a more shallow mouth - I used Susan Bates brand - otherwise, you will experience splitting issues. I also experienced lots of pilling within the skein.

Time Spent: I worked up the 4.5" square in 9.5 minutes, and with the additional row in roughly 13.5 minutes plus weaving time.

Measurements:

Each of my squares measures 5.5", but if you desire 4.5" squares, simply leave off Round 5.

Gauge:

*Any size hook, and yarn will work well for this pattern. Gauge isn't too important if you are pursuing a different size, or using different materials.

Using an H8/5mm Hook & Yarn Bee Soft Secret - 4" x 4"

Chain 20. DC into the 3rd stitch, and in each stitch across. (18 DC)

R2 - 8: Chain 2, turn. DC into the 2nd stitch, and in each stitch.

Fasten Off.

Abbreviations:

R... - Indicates Which Row/Round

DC - Double Crochet

... (...) - Indicates Stitch Count

Pattern Notes:

I have not figured out the whole magic ring thing yet, but feel free to begin with that instead of the beginning chain 5 and join to form the ring.

The chain 5 beginning each round counts as a double crochet, and a chain 3.

Joining at the end of each round will be done in the 2nd chain of the beginning chain 5.01.31.15 UPDATE: I changed the way Rounds 4 and 5 were written. When I originally worked up this pattern, I had only had the individual squares done. Once I added the border, I discovered this change was necessary.

R2 (Shown Above): Slip stitch over one, into the chain space. Chain 5, 2 DC into the same chain space, DC into each of the next 3 DC's, (2 DC into the next chain space, chain 3, 2 DC into the same chain space, DC into each of the next 3 DC's) three times. DC into the next chain space. Join. (28 DC)

R3: Slip stitch over one, into the chain space. Chain 5, 2 DC into the same chain space, DC into each of the next 7 DC's, (2 DC into the next chain space, chain 3, 2 DC into the same chain space, DC into each of the next 7 DC's) three times. DC into the next chain space. Join. (44 DC)

R4: Slip stitch over one, into the chain space. Chain 2, DC into the same chain space, chain 3, 2 DC into the same chain space, DC into each of the next 11 DC's, (2 DC into the next chain space, chain 3, 2 DC into the same chain space, DC into each of the next 11 DC's) three times. Invisible Join to 1st DC. (60 DC)

*If you want 4.5" squares, simply fasten off here. If you would like 5.5" squares, continue on to Round 5.

Here I changed colors to Bitter Sweet.

To attach, Pull yarn through using your yarn hook and work the first half of a knot.

Insert your hook, and pull up a loop.
Work your first chain 1 to secure the color change.

Continue on with the pattern.
In this case, you will begin with a chain 5.*01.31.15 UPDATE: Chain 2, not the 5 as seen in the above photo.

R5: [Slip stitch over one, into the chain space - if no color change]. Chain 2, DC into the same chain space, chain 3, 2 DC into the same chain space, DC into each of the next 15 DC's, (2 DC into the next chain space, chain 3, 2 DC into the same chain space, DC into each of the next 15 DC's) three times. Invisible Join to 1st DC. (76 DC)

Fasten Off.

Instead of slip stitching to join at the end of Round 5, I cut my yarn at the end of the last Double Crochet, and worked an invisible join into the first double crochet.

After fastening off your yarn,
Pull up on your last loop so the yarn comes out completely.

Thread your yarn needle.
Here I am using a #18 Tapesty Needle by DMC.

Insert your needle into the center of the 2nd chain of the beginning chain 5.
01.31.15 UPDATE: Insert your needle under both loops of the first DC, not into the beginning chain as shown in the above photo.

When you pull your needle and yarn through,
this is what the first half will look like -
just like the first half of any of the other stitches.

Take your needle and insert into the center of the previous stitch.
You will notice that the beginning of the join is also coming out of this stitch.

When I insert my needle the second time,
I also like to slide it underneath stitches on the backside -
it's a nice smooth transition into the weaving process.

Now, Weave in Your Ends.

Turn your work over so that wrong side/back side is facing you.
Thread your needle with your tail piece.

Slide your needle underneath some stitches.
Pull your needle out and the yarn through.
Going backwards, slide your needle underneath some more stitches.
Pull your needle out and the yarn through, and repeat one more time.

Once you are comfortable with the security of your tail piece
(I recommend at least three times) then, cut your tail piece.
Don't cut your piece too short - as you tug on the square,
the small piece that seems to be sticking out now,
will get pulled in underneath some of the stitches.

Pretend both hands are on the square in the respective spots.

After you are finished weaving, you will want to tug on the area that you just finished weaving around so that any stitches that got scrunched up from pulling on the yarn to get the tail piece though, gets straightened out.

Otherwise, your finished piece can look bunched up.

What are you going to make with your squares?

What color squares will you make?

Please feel free to make and sell projects made from this solid granny pattern, but please DO NOT claim this pattern as your own nor should you sell my pattern, and DO NOT re-publish my photos as your own. DO NOT copy and paste my pattern anywhere, link to it instead.

*If you would like a PDF version of this post, you may get one through my Etsy shop for a small fee. This fee is to compensate for the view/s lost once you no longer need to return to the blog for the information, as you will have your own copy. Plus! It helps fund supplies for new projects to share with you!

Dangle Earrings - 20 Crochet Patternby Nihal of accessoriesbynezThe shape to these are so neat! When I was younger, five of my cousins and I used to go swimming inmy Aunt Charlotte's pool and create a whirlpool by swimming around andaround the edge of the pool very quickly. It had the neatest effect! Too baddidn't last longer. Anywho, these earrings remind me of those times.

Dangle Earrings Crochet Patternby Nihal of accessoriesbynezI first discovered accessoriesbynez through this earring pattern, asI was on a search for Valentine's Day crochet patterns. These beautiful, frilly earrings are definitely on my list for the upcoming season.

Hooded Cape Crochet Patternby Melissa of WellRavelledI LOVE this! The colors looks great, the length looks great, the buttonplacement looks great. I can't wait to get my copy of this Hooded Capeand try it out myself!

Oversized Infinity Scarfby Melissa of WellRavelledThis scarf looks so warm! And so gorgeous!It is not a hooded scarf, but being that it is oversized, ithas plenty of room to comfortably pull it over your head.

Puff Stitch Cowlby Melissa of WellRavelledThis cowl is so cute! Just large enough to keep your neck warm and cozy,but textured so beautifully with the use of the Puff Stitch.

Candy Cane Chocolate Cheesecake Cakeby Jocelyn of Inside BruCrew LifeI have a soft spot for peppermint flavor.I love the look of the whole cake too! The texture looks neat, and the mountain of chocolate on top is just calling my name.And the frosting is peppermint marshmallow! Seriously, can it get anybetter than this?

This collection of Holiday Gift Ideas was curated by Marcia of ImagineThatBaby. This treasury combines finds from The Networking Team, and the Buy From Women Team. If you are on Etsy and are not part of a team, consider joining one! They are fun to be a part of! And they help to promote your items, and build the hotness of each item favorited by other members of your team. You also are usually included in more treasuries, which also brings more traffic your way.

Modeled by my boyfriend, Chad.You may notice to the left my cat decided to insert himself in my picture. Hehe.

Follow the above link to purchase your own Ribbing Scarf and Hat in Red (or any color of your choosing). Toddler and Child sized hat and scarf sets available too!I also have free crochet patterns available for the Adult Ribbed Scarf and Adult Ribbed Hat.Marcia's shop, ImagineThatBaby, is full of cute little baby shower gift items! She has baby booties of all colors and embellishments, diaper cakes and some baby blankets. Make sure to visit her shop to see all of the cute little baby themed items, and the different themes available.Some of my ImagineThatBaby Favorites Include:

This diaper cake features one layer of baby diapers, a bottleand a pair of newborn booties on top. I love how it's photographedon top of a decorative plate!Also available: It's a Boy Diaper Cake.And: Twins!

Aqua with Hearts Ruffle Bibby Jeanie of NurseriesbyMimiI LOVE this bib. The ruffle makes this bib pop, yet the colorsgo well together.Made from cotton, this can easily be thrown in with your other baby items.This would be a great gift at a baby shower, or in a set for Christmas.

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My Whirlpool Coin Purse can be found in February 2018, Issue 41 of the Pattern Pack Pro. This issue features five coin purses! If you don't already subscribe to the Pattern Pack Pro, it's a great monthly crochet magazine that focuses specifically on a type of project to help build your repertoire. Click this image to subscribe now - this contains an affiliate link, meaning if you subscribe using it, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, PLUS! You get a discount by subscribing through my link.

Hello There!

Confession - I am a craft, coffee and cat addict! I love to crochet, make my own jewelry, make cards and invitations, hand write letters, paint, draw, do my nails, hang out on Pinterest, visit with other bloggers, share projects, bake, play with my cat Shiloh... The list goes on and on! Pleasure to meet you, and thanks for joining the journey! Craftedly Yours, Alexandra.

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